How do I Prevent Fire in Garbage Cans at Schools?

Teenagers have a natural instinct to push the limits at home and at school. One way they push the limit at school and attempt to fit in with peers is by sneaking cigarettes in the restroom. Unfortunately, when they feel threatened by another teen who may tattle, or a teacher enters the bathroom, they may quickly toss a lit cigarette into a garbage can. If the can contains flammable materials, a fire could spread and engulf the entire school. Preventing these fires from occurring may save lives and protect students from charges of arson.

Things You'll Need

• Metal garbage cans
• Garbage can lids
• Fire extinguishers

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Instructions

• 1

  Replace plastic and wooden garbage cans with fire-resistant garbage cans made from metal or concrete. This step prevents fires from spreading past the can to the floor and surrounding objects and walls.

• 2

  Place the garbage can away from flammable objects like paper towel racks and toilet paper holders. If possible, anchor the can to the ground or floor to prevent students and others from pushing the trash can over or underneath flammable objects.

• 3

  Avoid using garbage bags in the containers, when possible. Since most garbage bags contain flammable plastic, avoiding the use of bags when possible prevents the spread of the fire to other objects in the room or area.

• 4

  Place lids on metal or aluminum garbage cans to prevent teens from easily tossing cigarettes inside. Ensure the lids have a tight fit and prevent air from entering the container, which helps to suffocate the fire before it spreads.

• 5

  Set up a monitoring schedule to ensure a teacher or staff member can monitor each bathroom before and after school and in between each class. Watching the bathrooms closely between classes and before the first morning bell prevents teens from sneaking smokes and frantically tossing lit cigarettes in fear of getting caught smoking.

• 6

  Ask teachers and other staff members to check the bathrooms regularly during classes to catch fires in bathroom garbage cans before they spread. Have all staff members peak into each bathroom when they pass it during classes to stop fires from occurring.

• 7

  Limit or completely stop the use of bathroom passes during class times. This prevents student smokers from sneaking cigarettes during classes when they feel safe from teacher monitoring.

• 8

  Place fire extinguishers near each garbage to help put out fires as soon as they occur. The extinguisher will be available for students and staff members to use when they notice a fire in a garbage can.